Archive By Section - Local News

It was another large crowd for the Friday night Concert in the Park on July 22 in Oakdale as Mark Macsenti and the Tailights band performed at the gazebo in Dorada Park. The crowd brought lawn chairs, blankets, food and beverages to settle in and enjoy the show. This week's concert, July 29, will feature Never 2 Late.

Classrooms are once again taking shape and campus grounds are being prepared. As Oakdale Joint Unified School District students and families enjoy their final weeks of summer, much of the district staff and administration are readying themselves for the 2016-17 school year. The official first day of school for class instruction is Wednesday, Aug. 10.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will hold an outreach meeting Saturday, Aug. 20 in Los Banos regarding the Northern San Joaquin Valley Type A and B Wildlife Areas. CDFW will take comments and recommendations and provide updates on habitat conditions, availability of water for wetlands and possible impacts to hunter access on public lands.

Young Sophie Jenkins, a member of Sierra 4-H, looks on with a little trepidation as she and her mini rabbit go through the judging process at the Stanislaus County Fair on Thursday, July 14. Several local youngsters were involved in 4-H and FFA activities at the fair, with a number of residents also entering a variety of fair competitions. Look for results in a future issue of The Leader.

Undergraduate humanities students at the University of California, Merced, will gain valuable research opportunities and support for their transitions into graduate studies and scholarly careers, thanks to a new program that will serve 60 students over the next three years.

The start of a new school year is an exciting time for most children, but for homeless children, this is a time open to emotional and academic challenges. Without even the most basic supplies, these students start at a disadvantage that only gets worse as the school year progresses. The Stanislaus County Office of Education aims to provide local homeless and at-risk youth with new backpacks and school supplies – tools they need to achieve academic success. To that end, SCOE's Operation Backpack Drive is on now through Thursday, July 28. Backpacks, school supplies or cash donations can be made ...

Summer may be a time for vacations and recreational activities for human beings, but pets may not be privy to the same luxuries. Summer recreation may not always include our four-legged friends, as summer heat and other issues can pose a threat to companion animals. As a result, pet parents must make pet safety a priority when the weather heats up.

The 2016 Fresno Food Expo is excited to debut 33 innovative new products, varietals and packaging concepts that were entered into the New Product Awards from 28 different Central California businesses. Now in its fourth year, the New Product Awards, presented by Baker Peterson Franklin CPA, LLP, have become a strategic opportunity for participating businesses to launch new products. This year's products range from freeze-dried organic fruits and craft beers made with locally grown ingredients to infused olive oils, craft chocolate, gourmet nuts and nut butters, healthy snacks and everything in between, even all natural dog treats, which showcase ...